What do you think?
Rate this book
Sanctification: God's Passion for His People
" Sanctification is a powerful tract for our times―a purposefully short book. You can read it in an hour or two, but its goal is the transformation of the rest of your life."
― Sinclair B. Ferguson , Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries Among all the things that a pastor will do on any given day, he must not lose sight of his one ultimate the sanctification of God’s people. This is the heart of God’s purpose for Christians. John MacArthur calls pastors to remember what all the countless hours preparing sermons, visiting hospitals, counseling, conducting weddings, and more are all about, even when the finish line seems so far in the distance that they’re tempted to give up. He encourages pastors with the power God gives them to place the sanctification of God’s people at the center of their ministry.
― Sinclair B. Ferguson , Chancellor's Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries Among all the things that a pastor will do on any given day, he must not lose sight of his one ultimate the sanctification of God’s people. This is the heart of God’s purpose for Christians. John MacArthur calls pastors to remember what all the countless hours preparing sermons, visiting hospitals, counseling, conducting weddings, and more are all about, even when the finish line seems so far in the distance that they’re tempted to give up. He encourages pastors with the power God gives them to place the sanctification of God’s people at the center of their ministry.
80 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2020
39 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,926 followersJohn F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 25, 2022
I feel like MacArthur could’ve written this book in his sleep. This is a great little book for any Christian who seems to struggle in their sanctification. J Mac breaks it down to the very basics and calls church leaders, and all believers to biblical holiness.
Holiness is needed in the church today. He also goes in depth on antinomianism, a dreadful heresy that seems to plague the church today.
In conclusion, very basic, very easy read, but could be very insightful for a range of Christians, if not all Christians
Holiness is needed in the church today. He also goes in depth on antinomianism, a dreadful heresy that seems to plague the church today.
In conclusion, very basic, very easy read, but could be very insightful for a range of Christians, if not all Christians
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2023
Excellent!
January 6, 2023
a scripture-filled short little book on the importance of sanctification and personal holiness. throwback to jmac going through galatians in big church a few years ago... good times :')
April 5, 2024
Good topical book in understanding sanctification!
January 17, 2020
First sentence: We have a clear window into Christ’s continual intercession for his people in John 17. That passage is known as Jesus’s High Priestly Prayer. Its centerpiece is a plea for the sanctification of his disciples: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth” (John 17:17–19). Then Jesus pointedly applies that request not only to the Twelve, but also to every Christian in all subsequent generations: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word” (17:20).
There is nothing quite so satisfying as a concise yet delicious dose of truth to nourish the soul. John MacArthur's Sanctification is a delightful length on a topic that doesn't get as much attention as it deserves. For the record, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the doctrine of justification. But I also love, love, love the doctrine of sanctification. The fact that many believers are not familiar with these essential truths is sad.
I am not speaking of familiarity with the exact terms "justification" or "sanctification" but the concepts and truths of these doctrines. Perhaps this is because often there isn't a thorough understanding of sin, original sin, the fall of man. If one doesn't have a proper understanding of sin--what it is, how it separates us from God, how deadly dangerous it is, etc.--then there's a SO WHAT or WHO CARES when it comes to later doctrines like justification and sanctification.
The book is timely and relevant--as truth always is. The focus is more on WHY you should care about sanctification.
Namely, this book is urging--begging--preachers to ACTUALLY CARE. He believes--rightly, in my opinion, that pastors should CARE if their flocks grows in the faith, if they bear fruit, if they are living holy lives and FOLLOWING Jesus. Pastors should not care exclusively about attendance or about feedback and approval. They should not be talking to hear themselves talk...but instead be teaching and preaching with the sanctification of their hearers--their flock--in mind.
MacArthur writes, "Despite the diversity of so many responsibilities, all those pastoral duties ultimately point to one clear and singular goal: the sanctification of God’s people. All the man’s energies and all the faculties of his heart and mind must remain focused on that one long-range goal, and he must never lose sight of it. This is, after all, God’s ultimate purpose for his elect: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). That is how Scripture summarizes the goal of sanctification—not merely to make us appear holy, but to make us truly and thoroughly Christlike."
He addresses misconceptions on holiness and some of the faults of the modern church. Two of the misconceptions are legalism and antinomianism. Chances are you've heard those terms but perhaps struggle to distinguish between these two. MacArthur is great at explaining the differences and pointing out why both are wrong. He writes, "The legalist thinks he’s spiritual because he observes a law; the antinomian thinks he’s spiritual because he doesn’t. Both define the Christian life by what they do with regard to the law rather than stressing the need for the Spirit’s empowerment to conform us to Christ’s likeness. The legalist will never be able to restrain the flesh with his legalism (Gal. 5:17). And the antinomian who refuses even to hear the law because he thinks rules of any kind are a threat to his “liberty” is still in bondage to sin (Rom. 6:15–16)."
There is nothing quite so satisfying as a concise yet delicious dose of truth to nourish the soul. John MacArthur's Sanctification is a delightful length on a topic that doesn't get as much attention as it deserves. For the record, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the doctrine of justification. But I also love, love, love the doctrine of sanctification. The fact that many believers are not familiar with these essential truths is sad.
I am not speaking of familiarity with the exact terms "justification" or "sanctification" but the concepts and truths of these doctrines. Perhaps this is because often there isn't a thorough understanding of sin, original sin, the fall of man. If one doesn't have a proper understanding of sin--what it is, how it separates us from God, how deadly dangerous it is, etc.--then there's a SO WHAT or WHO CARES when it comes to later doctrines like justification and sanctification.
The book is timely and relevant--as truth always is. The focus is more on WHY you should care about sanctification.
Namely, this book is urging--begging--preachers to ACTUALLY CARE. He believes--rightly, in my opinion, that pastors should CARE if their flocks grows in the faith, if they bear fruit, if they are living holy lives and FOLLOWING Jesus. Pastors should not care exclusively about attendance or about feedback and approval. They should not be talking to hear themselves talk...but instead be teaching and preaching with the sanctification of their hearers--their flock--in mind.
MacArthur writes, "Despite the diversity of so many responsibilities, all those pastoral duties ultimately point to one clear and singular goal: the sanctification of God’s people. All the man’s energies and all the faculties of his heart and mind must remain focused on that one long-range goal, and he must never lose sight of it. This is, after all, God’s ultimate purpose for his elect: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). That is how Scripture summarizes the goal of sanctification—not merely to make us appear holy, but to make us truly and thoroughly Christlike."
He addresses misconceptions on holiness and some of the faults of the modern church. Two of the misconceptions are legalism and antinomianism. Chances are you've heard those terms but perhaps struggle to distinguish between these two. MacArthur is great at explaining the differences and pointing out why both are wrong. He writes, "The legalist thinks he’s spiritual because he observes a law; the antinomian thinks he’s spiritual because he doesn’t. Both define the Christian life by what they do with regard to the law rather than stressing the need for the Spirit’s empowerment to conform us to Christ’s likeness. The legalist will never be able to restrain the flesh with his legalism (Gal. 5:17). And the antinomian who refuses even to hear the law because he thinks rules of any kind are a threat to his “liberty” is still in bondage to sin (Rom. 6:15–16)."
November 30, 2022
As always, MacArthur is clear and bold in proclaiming and defending the truth of Scripture. This book is a great, short little read that focuses on the importance of sanctification for the body of Christ. Though the book can, and perhaps should, be read by Christians actively engaged in discipleship, it is aimed more (at least in the opening chapters) towards the pastor. MacArthur stresses the vital importance a true shepherd has for the sanctification of the sheep he’s been entrusted to oversee, rather than on the doctrine of sanctification in this book.
Personally, the opening chapters are worth reading more than the latter. As someone who has read a decent amount by MacArthur and listened to his preaching for years, there is much that was very redundant regarding his ministry. Simply meaning, that a reader familiar with his ministry will find much of what is said in the book as a refreshing reminder to what they’ve likely read in other books.
The latter chapters are still very good and helpful. It seems as if the editorial pen’s ink is more visible than MacArthurs voice in several paragraphs, and for that it receives 3 stars from this reader.
Personally, the opening chapters are worth reading more than the latter. As someone who has read a decent amount by MacArthur and listened to his preaching for years, there is much that was very redundant regarding his ministry. Simply meaning, that a reader familiar with his ministry will find much of what is said in the book as a refreshing reminder to what they’ve likely read in other books.
The latter chapters are still very good and helpful. It seems as if the editorial pen’s ink is more visible than MacArthurs voice in several paragraphs, and for that it receives 3 stars from this reader.
February 13, 2021
Although very short, the booklet is packed with sobering teaching about the process of sanctification both for those called to be under shepherds and the individual members of the flock.
I find the discussion about how grace actually works in a believer's life very encouraging and enlightening. In refuting the errors of the two extremes of legalism and antinomianism, MacArthur presents a biblically sound view of grace, which has been abused and distorted by irresponsible preachers nowadays.
I find the discussion about how grace actually works in a believer's life very encouraging and enlightening. In refuting the errors of the two extremes of legalism and antinomianism, MacArthur presents a biblically sound view of grace, which has been abused and distorted by irresponsible preachers nowadays.
December 31, 2023
Excellent! Highly recommend!
July 31, 2022
"Grace is not a doormat we can casually use to wipe sin off our feet; it rules as a monarch over us."
Brevity and clarity are Macarthur's strongsuit.He begins the whole book by showing that sanctification (Christlike holiness) is the goal of Christ Himself in his high preistly prayer. And he proves in this short book (80 pages) that justification and sanctification are not at odds. The truth that we are justified fully by grace and on Christ's merits spurs us on to pursue Christlike holiness and mortification of sin. These are not at odds.
"The truth is, antinomianism and legalism are two sides of the same coin. The legalist thinks he's spiritual because he observes a law; the antinomian thinks he's spiritual because he doesn't. Both define the Christian life by what they do with regard to the law rather than stressing the need for the Spirit's empowerment to conform us to Christ's likeness. The legalist will never be able to restrain the flesh with his legal ism (Gal. 5:17). And the antinomian who refuses even to hear the law because he thinks rules of any kind are a threat to his "liberty" is still in bondage to sin (Rom. 6:15-16). Both legalism and antinomianism are hostile to the Spirit's work in sanctification. Both the legalist and the antinomian will crash and burn."
I will definitely come back to this book as a resource for scripture references and arguments on the basics of sanctification. Not all books must be long and exhaustive to be effective.
Brevity and clarity are Macarthur's strongsuit.He begins the whole book by showing that sanctification (Christlike holiness) is the goal of Christ Himself in his high preistly prayer. And he proves in this short book (80 pages) that justification and sanctification are not at odds. The truth that we are justified fully by grace and on Christ's merits spurs us on to pursue Christlike holiness and mortification of sin. These are not at odds.
"The truth is, antinomianism and legalism are two sides of the same coin. The legalist thinks he's spiritual because he observes a law; the antinomian thinks he's spiritual because he doesn't. Both define the Christian life by what they do with regard to the law rather than stressing the need for the Spirit's empowerment to conform us to Christ's likeness. The legalist will never be able to restrain the flesh with his legal ism (Gal. 5:17). And the antinomian who refuses even to hear the law because he thinks rules of any kind are a threat to his "liberty" is still in bondage to sin (Rom. 6:15-16). Both legalism and antinomianism are hostile to the Spirit's work in sanctification. Both the legalist and the antinomian will crash and burn."
I will definitely come back to this book as a resource for scripture references and arguments on the basics of sanctification. Not all books must be long and exhaustive to be effective.
February 16, 2022
While not a comprehensive treatment of the subject, this little book does provide excellent insights on biblical sanctification. The most helpful aspects of the book include:
1. The faithful pastor’s emphasis on holiness
2. The Bible’s constant emphasis on holiness
3. An explanation and critique of many modern churches’ pragmatic, antinomian bent
For more comprehensive treatments of the biblical doctrine of sanctification, I recommend FREE TO BE HOLY by Jerry Wragg and Paul Shirley (modern) and HOLINESS by J. C. Ryle (older).
1. The faithful pastor’s emphasis on holiness
2. The Bible’s constant emphasis on holiness
3. An explanation and critique of many modern churches’ pragmatic, antinomian bent
For more comprehensive treatments of the biblical doctrine of sanctification, I recommend FREE TO BE HOLY by Jerry Wragg and Paul Shirley (modern) and HOLINESS by J. C. Ryle (older).
April 28, 2024
A great little book that reminds every shepherd of their ultimate goal: the sanctification of God’s people.
November 9, 2020
Very well written and timely book on something so many evangelicals commonly overlook — sanctification. MacArthur also gave insight into a new and very useful term, Neo-Reformed.
March 29, 2020
This short book, written by a trusted pastor, is to encourage pastors to pursue the goal of the sanctification of God’s people. The goal of sanctification is not merely to make us appear holy, but to make us truly and thoroughly Christlike. An unsanctified life is the mark of an unbeliever.
Christ’s passion for his people’s sanctification sets the compass for a sound, biblical philosophy of ministry. The author tells us that this is a priority every competent, biblically qualified church leader will embrace, and that a godly pastor can be satisfied with nothing less than the sanctification of his people.
The author uses a few primary scriptural texts in the book, including Paul’s epistle to the Galatians, which was a fierce defense of faith alone as the sole instrument of justification, the principle of sola fide. The doctrine of justification is not only essential to a right understanding of the gospel; it is the doctrine that ties all other cardinal truths together. He tells us that for Paul, the doctrine of justification by faith is a powerful incentive to holiness.
Paul had two primary concerns in Galatians. First, he was deeply troubled that they were so easily being seduced away from the clarity and simplicity of the true gospel. Second, he was profoundly concerned for their sanctification. Paul saw his task clearly. His role was to participate in leading believers to Christlikeness. That is what he was most passionate about. That was his passion, and that was his purpose—the sanctification of the redeemed whom God had entrusted to his care.
The author then looks at the prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17. He tells us that the entire prayer reflects the priority of sanctification as Christ’s will for his people.
The author addresses what has become known as the “Young, Restless and Reformed” movement. His concern is that the movement as a whole has stressed and overstated the principle of Christian liberty without the necessary balance. True Christian liberty means deliverance from sin’s bondage and the law’s condemnation, not freedom from the law’s moral precepts. He writes that we should certainly proclaim and emphatically affirm the gospel’s indicatives. However, when the subject is sanctification, the Bible is full of imperatives.
The author tells us that unlike so many today, Paul did not shy away from speaking of sanctification or growth in grace as a duty. Sanctification was Paul’s central concern for the Christians of Galatia. He was as earnestly intent on leading them to mature Christlikeness as he had been to bring them to faith in the beginning. The author tells us that sadly, maturity seems to be in rare supply in churches today. He writes that we need to move past the young-and-restless stage. Immaturity and instability are hindrances to spiritual fruitfulness, not virtues. Real holiness makes a person steadfast and mature.
He offers a critique of many churches today, stating that rarely do you hear any popular preachers urge their people to be separate from the world, to deny fleshly desires, or to mortify sin and selfishness. Rather, preaching is designed to make people feel good about the way they are and to assure them that God likes them that way. But he tells us that there is a remnant of faithful churches with faithful ministers—godly shepherds who lead their flocks away from the world, away from self-interest, away from the fulfillment of their own desires.
He tells us how we got to this point where the focus of the message is personal satisfaction rather than Spirit-empowered sanctification. He writes about a heretical view of sanctification that perfectly fits with such a pragmatic church-growth strategy - antinomianism. Antinomianism starts with a denial that the moral precepts of God’s law remain obligatory as a rule of life for Christians. It therefore creates a radical disjunction between behavior and belief, and it erroneously uncouples sanctification from justification. The author tells us that antinomianism implies that the moral demands of God’s law are malleable, or that they are optional, or that they have been abrogated. He also writes that Antinomians abuse the principle of substitutionary atonement. The Antinomian stakes his claim on that doctrine and reasons that he therefore does not need to be troubled about his own lack of obedience. He tells us that antinomianism and legalism are two sides of the same coin, and that both legalism and antinomianism are hostile to the Spirit’s work in sanctification.
He also addresses the subject of God’s grace, telling us that the same grace that saves sinners from the penalty of their sin also instructs them in holiness.
This short book is to encourage pastors in the sanctification of those they shepherd, emphasizing that a godly pastor can be satisfied with nothing less than the sanctification of his people.
Christ’s passion for his people’s sanctification sets the compass for a sound, biblical philosophy of ministry. The author tells us that this is a priority every competent, biblically qualified church leader will embrace, and that a godly pastor can be satisfied with nothing less than the sanctification of his people.
The author uses a few primary scriptural texts in the book, including Paul’s epistle to the Galatians, which was a fierce defense of faith alone as the sole instrument of justification, the principle of sola fide. The doctrine of justification is not only essential to a right understanding of the gospel; it is the doctrine that ties all other cardinal truths together. He tells us that for Paul, the doctrine of justification by faith is a powerful incentive to holiness.
Paul had two primary concerns in Galatians. First, he was deeply troubled that they were so easily being seduced away from the clarity and simplicity of the true gospel. Second, he was profoundly concerned for their sanctification. Paul saw his task clearly. His role was to participate in leading believers to Christlikeness. That is what he was most passionate about. That was his passion, and that was his purpose—the sanctification of the redeemed whom God had entrusted to his care.
The author then looks at the prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17. He tells us that the entire prayer reflects the priority of sanctification as Christ’s will for his people.
The author addresses what has become known as the “Young, Restless and Reformed” movement. His concern is that the movement as a whole has stressed and overstated the principle of Christian liberty without the necessary balance. True Christian liberty means deliverance from sin’s bondage and the law’s condemnation, not freedom from the law’s moral precepts. He writes that we should certainly proclaim and emphatically affirm the gospel’s indicatives. However, when the subject is sanctification, the Bible is full of imperatives.
The author tells us that unlike so many today, Paul did not shy away from speaking of sanctification or growth in grace as a duty. Sanctification was Paul’s central concern for the Christians of Galatia. He was as earnestly intent on leading them to mature Christlikeness as he had been to bring them to faith in the beginning. The author tells us that sadly, maturity seems to be in rare supply in churches today. He writes that we need to move past the young-and-restless stage. Immaturity and instability are hindrances to spiritual fruitfulness, not virtues. Real holiness makes a person steadfast and mature.
He offers a critique of many churches today, stating that rarely do you hear any popular preachers urge their people to be separate from the world, to deny fleshly desires, or to mortify sin and selfishness. Rather, preaching is designed to make people feel good about the way they are and to assure them that God likes them that way. But he tells us that there is a remnant of faithful churches with faithful ministers—godly shepherds who lead their flocks away from the world, away from self-interest, away from the fulfillment of their own desires.
He tells us how we got to this point where the focus of the message is personal satisfaction rather than Spirit-empowered sanctification. He writes about a heretical view of sanctification that perfectly fits with such a pragmatic church-growth strategy - antinomianism. Antinomianism starts with a denial that the moral precepts of God’s law remain obligatory as a rule of life for Christians. It therefore creates a radical disjunction between behavior and belief, and it erroneously uncouples sanctification from justification. The author tells us that antinomianism implies that the moral demands of God’s law are malleable, or that they are optional, or that they have been abrogated. He also writes that Antinomians abuse the principle of substitutionary atonement. The Antinomian stakes his claim on that doctrine and reasons that he therefore does not need to be troubled about his own lack of obedience. He tells us that antinomianism and legalism are two sides of the same coin, and that both legalism and antinomianism are hostile to the Spirit’s work in sanctification.
He also addresses the subject of God’s grace, telling us that the same grace that saves sinners from the penalty of their sin also instructs them in holiness.
This short book is to encourage pastors in the sanctification of those they shepherd, emphasizing that a godly pastor can be satisfied with nothing less than the sanctification of his people.
November 26, 2021
In Sanctification, Pastor John MacArthur reminds pastors of the need to care for the sanctification of those who are under their care. Sanctification, he argues, is an area that is often forgotten in the American church today. He focuses on the calling of pastors to be actual shepherds of their local flocks.
But MacArthur does not only focus on pastors. He calls on individual believers to also work on their sanctification stating that we should be striving to be more Christlike each day.
After making the initial case for sanctification, MacArthur spends the rest of the book discussing what true sanctification looks like in the life of the believer. First, sanctification looks like Christ. Christ was the ultimate embodiment of sanctification as shown in chapter four of the book titled, “Christ, the Embodiment of True Sanctification.”
But MacArthur does not hold punches either. He attacks the thought of many churches and Christians today that we are saved, following Jesus and that is it. He attacks the idea that we don’t really need to pursue total sanctification or that we cannot attain it (noting of course that total sanctification does not happen on this side of Heaven). He attacks the lawlessness of many new Christian movements and attacks the seeker-sensitive ideals that court the ways of the world just to put bodies in the pews. MacArthur makes a plea for the church today to return to a true biblical worldview.
The book finishes by taking a look at what grace really is and what grace really entails. It’s not just a “get out of Hell free card.” Grace means we get a chance to live our lives holy and acceptable and pleasing to God. It is a chance to strive to be like Christ. It is a chance to live set apart from the world.
Overall, Sanctification is a quick an easy read and a refreshing call to the church and believer’s today to live better lives for their king. I give the book four out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
But MacArthur does not only focus on pastors. He calls on individual believers to also work on their sanctification stating that we should be striving to be more Christlike each day.
After making the initial case for sanctification, MacArthur spends the rest of the book discussing what true sanctification looks like in the life of the believer. First, sanctification looks like Christ. Christ was the ultimate embodiment of sanctification as shown in chapter four of the book titled, “Christ, the Embodiment of True Sanctification.”
But MacArthur does not hold punches either. He attacks the thought of many churches and Christians today that we are saved, following Jesus and that is it. He attacks the idea that we don’t really need to pursue total sanctification or that we cannot attain it (noting of course that total sanctification does not happen on this side of Heaven). He attacks the lawlessness of many new Christian movements and attacks the seeker-sensitive ideals that court the ways of the world just to put bodies in the pews. MacArthur makes a plea for the church today to return to a true biblical worldview.
The book finishes by taking a look at what grace really is and what grace really entails. It’s not just a “get out of Hell free card.” Grace means we get a chance to live our lives holy and acceptable and pleasing to God. It is a chance to strive to be like Christ. It is a chance to live set apart from the world.
Overall, Sanctification is a quick an easy read and a refreshing call to the church and believer’s today to live better lives for their king. I give the book four out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.
February 13, 2020
This is my review on the book Sanctification: God's Passion for His People (2020) by John MacArthur.
I was very excited when I read the book title because the sanctification of a believer is very much the goal of biblical counseling and discipleship. As a biblical counselor, my desire is for the church to be able to keep on growing in holiness, be more like Christ, and able to help others grow. Every believer is in the process of sanctification from the day they are saved till the day that they see Jesus face to face. We need to have a biblical understanding of sanctification so that we can be faithful in doing this important work in the local church.
Dr. John MacArthur's faithful preaching and defend of the gospel against false teachings through the decades have helped me to grow in my own personal scantificaltion through reading of his books. It is easy to fall into error if we do not labour to understand the whole counsel of God through His Word.
What does the Bible teaches us about God? What does the Bible teaches us about the Christ and the gospel? What does the Bible teaches us about grace and law? What does the Bible teaches us about man and sin? What does the Bible teaches us about holiness? We must labour hard to grow in our understanding of the whole counsel of God. A lobe-sided theology will result in a lobe-sided practical living. An unbiblical understanding of God's grace, or God's commands, or God's love, or God's judgment, or sin, or man, or Christ, or salvation, always translate to how we live our lives in this present age. Theology matters, and it matters in our sanctification.
Dr. MacArthur in this brief book offered us encouragement not to lose sight of the importance of sanctification in our own lives, and of the souls whom God puts in our lives to care for.
Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program.
I was very excited when I read the book title because the sanctification of a believer is very much the goal of biblical counseling and discipleship. As a biblical counselor, my desire is for the church to be able to keep on growing in holiness, be more like Christ, and able to help others grow. Every believer is in the process of sanctification from the day they are saved till the day that they see Jesus face to face. We need to have a biblical understanding of sanctification so that we can be faithful in doing this important work in the local church.
Dr. John MacArthur's faithful preaching and defend of the gospel against false teachings through the decades have helped me to grow in my own personal scantificaltion through reading of his books. It is easy to fall into error if we do not labour to understand the whole counsel of God through His Word.
What does the Bible teaches us about God? What does the Bible teaches us about the Christ and the gospel? What does the Bible teaches us about grace and law? What does the Bible teaches us about man and sin? What does the Bible teaches us about holiness? We must labour hard to grow in our understanding of the whole counsel of God. A lobe-sided theology will result in a lobe-sided practical living. An unbiblical understanding of God's grace, or God's commands, or God's love, or God's judgment, or sin, or man, or Christ, or salvation, always translate to how we live our lives in this present age. Theology matters, and it matters in our sanctification.
Dr. MacArthur in this brief book offered us encouragement not to lose sight of the importance of sanctification in our own lives, and of the souls whom God puts in our lives to care for.
Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through the Blog Review Program.
January 13, 2020
Despite the diversity of so many responsibilities, all those pastoral duties ultimately point to one clear and singular goal: the sanctification of God's people. All the man's energies and all the faculties of his heart and mind must remain focused on that one long-range goal, and he must never lose sight of it. This is, after all, God's ultimate purpose for his elect: "For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son" Romans 8:29. That is how scripture summarizes the goal of sanctification- not merely to make us appear holy, but to make us truly and thoroughly Christlike.
Along with justification, sanctification can be misunderstood. What is God's responsibility and what is ours. It does begin in leadership of the church the correct teaching of doctrine for us to have a better understanding of the Gospel. The simplicity of the Gospel is often distorted by our deceitful hearts and sanctification can be abruptly put on hold until we get a better grasp of how Justification and Sanctification work together.
MacArthur has been misunderstood in his fight for sanctification has he shows in God's word the ease of cheap substitutes in our churches today. Churches and individually, we have a responsibility with our working out our salvation to Christlikeness. Authenticity and sanctification are at odds with each other in the church and Christians. It gives us reason to examine our own hearts as to my will or God's. As always MacArthur gives his students to think about what they believe and why. "Do not grow weary in doing good". Highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Along with justification, sanctification can be misunderstood. What is God's responsibility and what is ours. It does begin in leadership of the church the correct teaching of doctrine for us to have a better understanding of the Gospel. The simplicity of the Gospel is often distorted by our deceitful hearts and sanctification can be abruptly put on hold until we get a better grasp of how Justification and Sanctification work together.
MacArthur has been misunderstood in his fight for sanctification has he shows in God's word the ease of cheap substitutes in our churches today. Churches and individually, we have a responsibility with our working out our salvation to Christlikeness. Authenticity and sanctification are at odds with each other in the church and Christians. It gives us reason to examine our own hearts as to my will or God's. As always MacArthur gives his students to think about what they believe and why. "Do not grow weary in doing good". Highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
August 13, 2020
I thought my husband would enjoy this book. I also like to read these topics.
This author is controversial lately and although many of his decisions or comments we do not share, if you read his material you will see that there is truth and useful things in his content
This issue is complex, it is because we are sinners and we are in the process of sanctification.
It is difficult because it will take us a lifetime and because as I advance through the pages I can see how I still have a long way to go, but it is simple because I know that the same grace that bought me and the faithful provision of the Lord will sustain me and lead me to the final.
I think of the shepherds and the responsibility they have before God for the lives that have been entrusted to them and it gives me chills ... then I think of the mothers and fathers who have a small flock at home and it also gives me the creeps.
Our goal is not to raise children who look "decent", but to be sanctified and transformed into the image of Christ, we cannot achieve that by ourselves, but that is not why we are going to stop praying and sowing, being diligent in their instruction and what we have to do in the upbringing and formation of their little hearts. God have mercy on us and finish the work you started, for your glory and our good.
A phrase grace: "Grace cannot be taken as a mat to clean our shoes from sin, but reigns as a monarch over us." I am grateful for the tender care of the King who rules overall. Without holiness no one will see the Lord, it sounds strong, but it is Word. May the Lord find us praying and watching at all times, praying that we will have the strength to escape all these things that are about to happen, and we can stand before the Son of Man (as it says in Luke 21:36).
This author is controversial lately and although many of his decisions or comments we do not share, if you read his material you will see that there is truth and useful things in his content
This issue is complex, it is because we are sinners and we are in the process of sanctification.
It is difficult because it will take us a lifetime and because as I advance through the pages I can see how I still have a long way to go, but it is simple because I know that the same grace that bought me and the faithful provision of the Lord will sustain me and lead me to the final.
I think of the shepherds and the responsibility they have before God for the lives that have been entrusted to them and it gives me chills ... then I think of the mothers and fathers who have a small flock at home and it also gives me the creeps.
Our goal is not to raise children who look "decent", but to be sanctified and transformed into the image of Christ, we cannot achieve that by ourselves, but that is not why we are going to stop praying and sowing, being diligent in their instruction and what we have to do in the upbringing and formation of their little hearts. God have mercy on us and finish the work you started, for your glory and our good.
A phrase grace: "Grace cannot be taken as a mat to clean our shoes from sin, but reigns as a monarch over us." I am grateful for the tender care of the King who rules overall. Without holiness no one will see the Lord, it sounds strong, but it is Word. May the Lord find us praying and watching at all times, praying that we will have the strength to escape all these things that are about to happen, and we can stand before the Son of Man (as it says in Luke 21:36).
January 15, 2020
Quote: "Sanctification is a process of fighting for full joy and not selling out for a cheap substitute along the way."
John MacArthur, like Paul, has no problem being the unpopular opinion. In his book, Sanctification: God's Passion for His People, he shares his unpopular opinion on sanctification.
As believers, we must have a heart for the souls of the lost. We must not sugarcoat sins. We must also be ready to call out fellow believers who are more concerned with being popular, instead of following what Paul warned the early church about.
I appreciate that MacArthur uses Scripture as the backbone for his books. This book is no different. I believe that every believer would benefit from reading, Sanctification: God's Passion for His People. This book puts into perspective how all believers should not be concerned with popularity, but instead, be concerned with the sanctification of the saints.
Thank you to Crossway Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
John MacArthur, like Paul, has no problem being the unpopular opinion. In his book, Sanctification: God's Passion for His People, he shares his unpopular opinion on sanctification.
As believers, we must have a heart for the souls of the lost. We must not sugarcoat sins. We must also be ready to call out fellow believers who are more concerned with being popular, instead of following what Paul warned the early church about.
I appreciate that MacArthur uses Scripture as the backbone for his books. This book is no different. I believe that every believer would benefit from reading, Sanctification: God's Passion for His People. This book puts into perspective how all believers should not be concerned with popularity, but instead, be concerned with the sanctification of the saints.
Thank you to Crossway Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 25, 2024
Very well written book on sanctification.
McArthur does an excellent job of using scripture to explain and inform the reader about what is called of a pastor in regard to sanctification and the overall goal of their ministry.
This book is not just for pastors but for any believer.
It is a great guide in what we should be looking for in a pastor and a church; what is their focus on, entertainment and tickling ears of so called believers or a real bible teaching church where God’s Word is the focal point and worship is God centered.
Sanctification, do you know what it means? Do you know what the Bible says about it? How does grace play in? What about justification?
You can find all those answers in this book.
McArthur does an excellent job of using scripture to explain and inform the reader about what is called of a pastor in regard to sanctification and the overall goal of their ministry.
This book is not just for pastors but for any believer.
It is a great guide in what we should be looking for in a pastor and a church; what is their focus on, entertainment and tickling ears of so called believers or a real bible teaching church where God’s Word is the focal point and worship is God centered.
Sanctification, do you know what it means? Do you know what the Bible says about it? How does grace play in? What about justification?
You can find all those answers in this book.
October 9, 2020
I suspect that JMac could have taken 100 more pages to beat the dead horse, but he didn't do it. He seems to have felt the urgent need that churches today do not fight for sanctification of Christians. Hence, this unusually short volume -- seemingly brisk, yet pointed survey of the relevant biblical passages in the earlier chapters. The latter chapters are more illuminating, compared to the earlier chapters, on the centuries of non-biblical (thus unbiblical) influences on the church. The last chapter hits it hard and leaves you thinking how the different emphases made in the first and last chapters make a total sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2020
Not much to say about this booklet. In the early sections MacArthur focuses especially on the pastor's role in his church's sanctification. I agree but wondered why he chose to do this until I got to the second half, which is a solid lambasting of the modern evangelical movement for its avoidance of the topic of personal holiness. So this book isn't so much about sanctification, and certainly not in the way the subtitle intends. It is more a plea for people to have higher standards for their leaders, and thus for themselves. I can't disagree.
November 1, 2024
I think as a rule of there’s less than 100 pages it’s a booklet, not a book. A blurb on the back Sinclair Ferguson calls this a tract. No matter what it is MacArthur calls sanctification a duty of the Christ follower which results in the pursuit of joy. Sadly though our culture and as a result our churches have all too often ignored this necessary doctrine. The result is a false doctrine and the modern church stuck in immaturity. Unless we are intentional in our sanctification, we will sacrifice it for self centeredness
February 17, 2023
Short book on holiness and sanctification. Sinclair Ferguson on the back of the book nails it saying “you can read it in an hour or two, but it’s goal is the transformation of the rest of your life.” I am not sure about the rest of my life, see me in a few decades (Lord willing), but it was a quick read (it reads like a collection of MacArthur sermons, lots of cross references) but it was thorough and enjoyable. I felt the second half was better than the first half. Good stuff
September 29, 2023
Very interesting book with good biblical truth. It does seemed aimed at church leaders. Requiring a wide breadth of biblical knowledge and giving specific exhortations toward leaders. A large amount of information on trends in church history, current culture, and the deemphasization on sanctification. This book puts sanctification rightly on the forefront of our priorities just like how our sanctification is on the forefront of God’s priorities.
September 4, 2025
This is a short and helpful booklet on sanctification, particularly in regards to pastoral ministry. The booklet feels more geared toward pastors, but laypeople will also be edified by it. It includes a sharp, withering, yet brutally truthful and fair critique of the Young Restless Reformed movement and the unbiblical fruit it has produced. Overall I found this book very helpful and, well, sanctifying.
October 30, 2025
Unfortunately this was a very disappointing read. I feel as if Macarthur has fully missed the point in his exhortation towards ministers. He makes broad generalizations about the church with no evidence. He makes hasty statements about pastors desiring to be trendy rather than biblical with no evidence. Finally the entire book is about how pastors should be more dedicated to his/her congregations sanctification rather than his/her own.
May 21, 2020
This is a very short book, packed with some very good thoughts about the issue of sanctification. The main weakness of the book is the brevity of it. I know MacArthur has so much more to say about this issue, things that need to be said, and perhaps they are said elsewhere. As a whole, this is just a fabulous little book as a Primer, if you will, on this all too important topic.
December 13, 2023
Very biblical. A statement against anti-nomians of our day, but he does not cover many other important issues concerning the work of the Spirit and sanctification. He does give some good thoughts on the Christian not needing to obey the Old Testament laws, but still seeking to walk in holiness. A short book which can be finished in one or two sittings.
December 21, 2025
“Así es como las Escrituras resumen el objetivo de la santificación: no solo hacernos parecer santos, sino hacernos verdadera y completamente como Cristo.” (p. 14)
Directo, certero, sin preámbulos, se lanza verdad tras verdad, con sustento bíblico, llevándote a una lectura rápida, pero sumamente reflexiva.
Directo, certero, sin preámbulos, se lanza verdad tras verdad, con sustento bíblico, llevándote a una lectura rápida, pero sumamente reflexiva.
January 25, 2021
great concise book that brings you the forefront, that which our sinful nature and post modern theology forget.
may we remember that our salvation is proven in sanctification. may we be a joy to our pastors. may our pastors and elders hold fast in teaching, encouraging, and exhorting.
may we remember that our salvation is proven in sanctification. may we be a joy to our pastors. may our pastors and elders hold fast in teaching, encouraging, and exhorting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews